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Audi A5 and S5 Debut at Geneva Motor Show |
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Mar 6, 2007 |
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Audi is launching a fascinating new model
series for its entry into a highly
emotionally charged segment of the market:
the A5 successfully unites the acclaimed
Audi design language and thrilling dynamic
driving performance, and combines generous
refinement with the brand’s characteristic
quality and sophistication. Its
progressive design gives the new coupé an
appearance that is both elegant and
dynamic. With its muscular FSI and TDI
engines, its entirely newly developed
high-precision running gear, and a raft of
innovative, luxury-class equipment
features, the Audi A5 has been crafted to
be a modern grand tourer, a touring coupé
in the best tradition.
The Audi S5 is an extra sporty offering to
complete the new series. A powerful V8 FSI
engine gives the S5 a dynamic edge, which
underscores its athletically accentuated
design. The A5 and S5 are available to
order from 6 March 2007 with the first
vehicles due for delivery from June.
The Nuvolari quattro concept car of 2003
gave a first taste of Audi’s vision for a
powerful and expertly styled coupé with a
high performance potential and a
progressive, sophisticated design – a bold
step into the future.
Many elements from the Nuvolari have been
adopted in the Audi A5. The new coupé is a
clear and unique statement of sportiness
and elegance. At the same time, the A5
offers a driving experience characterised
by exhilarating dynamic performance and
excellent comfort over long distances.
With a length of 4.63 m, the Audi A5
clearly belongs to a superior class of
coupé. Four comfortable seats and a load
volume of 455 litres make this car a
comfortable long-distance tourer. The
dynamic performance is supplied by FSI and
TDI engines with rated power ranging from
125 to 195 kW (170 to 265 bhp). All
engines share highly eco-friendly and
efficient characteristics.
The engines’ power can be transmitted by
either front-wheel drive or quattro
four-wheel drive and a six-speed manual or
automatic gearbox. The running gear
developed for the A5 is entirely new and
combines agile handling with the utmost
driving safety. |
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The design
Quite simply a desirable coupé
For coupé buyers, emotion plays a major
role in their choice of car; the most
important reason to buy, in the case of a
sporty two-door car, is the design. And on
that point the Audi A5 genuinely speaks
for itself – its design takes Audi’s
progressive and stylish design language to
new heights. The sporty silhouette, the
precisely drawn lines, which gracefully
interplay with the powerful surfaces, the
expressive front face, and the equally
distinctive tail end yield a wholly
desirable coupé. “The Audi A5 is the most
beautiful car I have ever designed”, says
Walter de’Silva, Head of Volkswagen Group
Design, with absolute conviction.
Sportiness, elegance and dynamic
performance are characteristics common to
all of today’s Audi models. Naturally the
A5 is particularly rich in these elements
of the Audi “genetic code”, and the design
makes that immediately clear: the coupé’s
proportions, for instance, are
characterised by a very wide and low
stance, a short front overhang and a long,
flowing transition from the C pillar to
the tail end.
Lines and surfaces play with light and
shadows
An expression of determination
characterises the features of the front
end: the face bears the hallmark of the
new Audi in the form of the single-frame
grille, and its right-angled headlights
and large air inlets reinforce the
architectural impression of breadth in the
car’s face-on outline. The same holds true
for the rear: the distinct horizontal
lines and wide, powerfully styled tail
lights, which seem to push outwards,
underscore the sporting intent of the A5.
The side line is dominated by the mighty
trapezoidal C pillar. This not only
emphasises the car’s sporty appeal, but
also creates a look reminiscent of the
legendary Audi Ur-quattro.
A second stylistic tribute to Audi’s
four-wheel drive pioneer model can be
found in the marked outline of the wheel
arches, with their curving contours drawn
into the wide shoulder line. The lines and
surfaces of the Audi A5 play with light
and shadows, bringing its shape to life
and endowing the body with the sculpted
intensity that makes Audi design unique.
Audi’s customary devotion to detail is
particularly evident in the headlights:
their elaborate styling perfectly reflects
precision and high-tech engineering. The
daytime running lights, comprising a strip
of eight LEDs on each side, make the A5’s
xenon plus headlights absolutely
unmistakable.
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